Abstract: A variable aperture assembly (30) is provided for controlling the amount of ion beam current passing therethrough in an ion implantation system (10). The aperture assembly (30) comprises an aperture (44) defined by opposing first and second aperture plates (44A, 44B) through which an ion beam passes; control arms (46A, 46B) connected, respectively, to the first and second aperture plates (44A, 44B); and an aperture drive mechanism (36) for simultaneously imparting movement to the control arms in opposite directions, to adjust a gap (50) between the aperture plates (44A, 44B) to thereby control the amount of current passing through the aperture (44). Each of the opposite directions in which the control arms move is generally perpendicular to an axis along which the ion beam passes. A control system (120) is also provided for automatically adjusting the aperture gap (50) based on inputs representing actual ion beam current passing through the implanter, desired ion beam current, and aperture position.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for operating a variable aperture (30) for adjusting the amount of ion beam current passing therethrough in an ion implantation system (10). The system and method comprise means or steps for (i) measuring ion beam current at an implanter location using a current detector (35); (ii) comparing the measured ion beam current with a desired ion beam current; (iii) outputting a control signal (126, 128) based on the comparison of the measured ion beam current with the desired ion beam current; and (iv) adjusting a gap (50), through which through ion beam passes and which is defined by opposing first and second aperture plates (44A, 44B), in response to the control signal to control the amount of ion beam current passing therethrough. The current detector (35) provides ion beam current feedback, and a position sensor (116, 118) may be utilized to provide aperture plate (44A, 44B) position feedback.